the official newsletter of the usmc mta motor transport association, inc. the official newsletter of...
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USMC MOTOR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION, INC.
The Official Newsletter of The USMC MTA Founded Sept. 1997 - Incorporated Sept. 2008
“ PROUD MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL MARINE CORPS COUNCIL ”
March - Aprli 2017 usmcmta.org No. 20 Vol. 4
Convoy Express
Photo By: Cpl. Donato Maffin
Kamoshika Wrath 17-1
U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 secure quadcon shipping containers to the bed of a seven-ton medium tactical vehicle replacement during exercise Kamoshika Wrath 17-1 at Haramura Maneuver Area, Hiroshima, Japan, Jan. 27, 2017. The Marines worked through inclement weather conditions and a short timeline to build a 96-foot by 96- foot vertical takeoff and landing pad. The exercise is a biannual, unit-level training exercise that is primarily focused on establishing a forward operating base and providing airfield operation services. MWSS-171 trains throughout the year completing exercises like Kamoshika Wrath to enhance their technical skills, field experience and military occupational specialty capability.
Stoty on page 6.
Marines.mil is the official website of the United States Marine Corps and is maintained by the Marine Corps' Division of Public Affairs.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
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on the web
Marine Corps Expo Will be held in the month of April, please contact our National secretary for date and time, Marcel at [email protected] or call 910.450.1841
Open House The annual open house will be held May 20, 2017 contact Joe Clark either by email: [email protected] or you can call 920.389.9709 for details.
Bakeless Bake Sale April has designated as our Bakeless Bake Sale month. This is a fundraiser for the Barrie O. Delp Scholarship Fund. In the month of April we would like for all who can, to donate a little something. Barrie O’Delp Scholarship. Donations are alway’s welcome for the Barrie O’Delp Scholarship Fund. All donations are tax deductible. Please make your donations payable to: MTA Auxiliary P.O. Box 1372, Jacksonville N.C. 28541 - 1372
Scholarship’s. MTA members, it’s not too early to talk to your children, grandchildren about the next scholarships. Remember one is awarded to a student going to attend a four year college and the other is for a student going to a vocational/technical school/college. June 30th is the submission deadline Forms are available email [email protected]
MTA is hosting a breakfast three Sundays a month ( I thu 3 ) at the VFW. on Sunday’s from 8 am till 11 am. Thanks to all of you for supporting us there.
The monthly dutch treat luncheons are continuing in the Jacksonville area; contact Shirley Prevatte or any one of the area auxiliary members for info or email [email protected]
Camp Lejeune: Past Water Contamination From the 1950s through the 1980s, people living or working at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, were potentially exposed to drinking water contaminated with industrial solvents, benzene, and other chemicals. Learn about research on past chemical contamination. - See more at: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/camp-lejeune/#sthash.SLw9Rrli.dpuf
hqmc.marines.mil - Department of Defense It is our honor to recognize the hqmc.marines.mil and Department of Defense and their contributions of story and photos presented within The Convoy Express and the following statement: The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
The United States Marine Corps Motor Transport Association, Inc. is a 501 (c) (19) non-profit organization operating exclusively for the purpose beneficial to the interests of the Nation and United States Marine Corps Motor Transport Occupational Specialty Field. This Association was formed to bring together all Retired, Veteran Marine, Active Duty, Reserve and others who have served in or with the USMC Motor Transport Field.
usmcmta.orgUSMC MTA
Quick Notes MTATable of
Contents2 Contents 3 Officers
Officers Message 4 President’s Letter
4 Secretary’s Corner 4 Webmaster
4-5 MTAA President 6 Around The Corps
Articles 7 Marine Wing Support Squadron 171
Completes Exercise Kamoshika Wrath 171 8-9 Always Faithful: World War ll Marine Turns 100
10 Marines To Get Smart Phones To Call In Fire Support
11 Off-Road Expeditionary All Terrain Vehicles On Their Way
Events 12 Bakeless Bake Sale
13 MTA Open House
Remembered 14 Taps
Photo Credits
Front Page Kamoshika Wrath 17-1
Photo By: Donato Maffin
Around The Corps
M-ATV: Protecting The Warfighter Photo By: Keith Hayes
U.S. Marines with Fox Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division
Photo By: LCpl. Alexis Schneider
Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif. Photo By: Laurie Pearson
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendelton, Calif. Photo By: Trever Sytatz
Articles-Photo Credits Marine Wing Support Squadrin 171
Photo By: Cpl. Donato Maffin Always Faithful: WWII Marine Turns 100
Photo By: Ian Leones Marines To Get Smart Phones To Call In Fire Suppost
Photo By: Mathuel Browne
Off-Road Expeditionary All Terrain Vehicles On Their Way Photo By: Mathuel Browne
New Member McKissock, Gary S. #1551 Lt.Gen. (RET)
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To contact an officer use the following email addresses, where email is not noted contact the USMC MTA Secretary at [email protected] or call 910.450.1841
Elected and Appointed Officers
USMC MOTOR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION INC.
Elected Officers
1st Vice President Robie Roberson
President Dwight Davidson
[email protected] Vice President Humberto Gonzalez
[email protected] Secretary Marcel Arbelaez
Trustees 1 Year – Harold Clapp 2Year– Joe Clark 3 Year – Bob Boni [email protected]
Special Finance Committee
1st Vice President Treasurer
2 Year Trustee
Treasurer Ron Rang
Immediate Past President John Stump III
Past President’s Barry O. Delp
1997-1998* Deceased
Gary L. Miner 1998- 2000
Robert H. Canning 2000- 2005*
Deceased
Honorary Past President Albert Patterson
2000* *Deceased
Appointed Offficers
National Marine Corps Council Cathy Stump
Appointed Officers
Chaplain Marshall Jarvis
Assistant Chaplain Francisco B. Paras Jr.
Sgt. at Arms George Hanlin
PX Manager Charles Robinson [email protected]
Public Relations [email protected]
Historian Charles Robinson
Annual Reunion Advisory Chairman 1st Vice President Robie Roberson
Annual Reunion Advisory Committees
(*Co-Chairs) West Coast:
Jimmie Stewart Jack McDermott Laura Thorsell
Annual Reunion Advisory Committees
(*C0-Chairs) East Coast: Bob Boni Al Weare
Webmaster / Newsletter Don McCrary
Assistant Webmaster Daryl Rose
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President Dwight Davidson
Greetings. Things here are moving at a s n a i l s p a c e a r o u n d h e r e a t headquarters. Robie and crew are working on the reunion. Information on that is to come no later than the May meeting .
We are in the process of getting the information out about the 20th anniversary shirts. Please keep in mind that this is a one time shot. If you would like one of these shirts you must get your order in, as we will not keep them in stock. So get your orders in as soon as you can.
The open house will take place on May 20th. Come on out and join us at 1.pm or 13 hundred if you prefer, which ever you choose will be alright. Keep in mind that the food and beverages, with the exception of the deserts which will be provided by the ladies of our auxiliary. So please ladies take care of the deserts and thank in advance.
Well, that is all I have for this time. So in the meantime, Hope to see you all again soon.
Take care, be healthy and have a wonderful Spring ! Dwight Davidson
Secretary Marcel Arbelaez
It seems like Spring is here in Eastern North Carolina, so lets hope the warm weather continues. And with the warm weather brings a reminder to us that the next Motor Transport Association reunion is just around the corner, slated for September, this will be our 20th reunion and will be held in Jacksonville, NC the home of where MTA began. Make a note on your calendar to attend.
Please make sure that both your postal mailing and email address are up to date with the MTA so we can properly process any notifications we may have for each of you.
Semper Fi and Keep on Trucking,
Marcel Arbelaez
MTA Secretary Office: 910.450.1841 DSN: 910.750.1841 Hours: Tues - Wed - Thurs 10 AM to 2 PM (Closed on Holidays)
Marcel
Webmaster Don McCrary
We have changed Internet Service Provider (ISP) for our service on the internet. This will change a lot of what you see and will bring about a better service for Daryl and I to acheive more of what we want to do. With the change already up and running you will not have any interuption viewing or in your email service. If you experience anything strange either of the webpages or email contact me at usmcmta.org and we will check it out.
Security is always an issue somewhere in all of our lives, change passwords often, maintain a list of passwords and keep them in a safe place.
As the officers mentioned our 2oth MTA reunion is just around the corner make plans now for attending. If you have not seen Camp LeJeune since the 1970’s there are many changes to the base that will be of interest. Join us and celebrate an idea, MTA, that is going strong.
Semper Fi. Don
MTAA President Mary Jarvis
Happy almost Spring! (Unless you are in the northwest or northeast where the snow storms have been increasing in the past couple of weeks!) But really.. can’t you just smell it? Yes..take a deep breath..oh wait..that’s not spring air..that’s the fruit pie dripping and burning in the oven ..or is it the first batch of cookies burning to the tray..or is it the cake over rising the bake pan? Gotcha thinking do I? What is she talking about (?) you’re wondering..well.. it’s Bake Sale time!! But as most of you know it’s a nasty job to make stuff, travel with it; set up a card table when it’s usually picked the same day to pour or be freezing..as well as the fact that we are spread all over our amazing country and it’s impossible to pick the right grocery store. (unless we go see Jackie in Hawaii .just a thought..).so we have THE BAKELESS BAKE SALE! All you have to do is get out your check book; write out as much of a donation check as you feel comfortable with and mail it to USMCMTAA, Inc at P.O. Box 1372, Jacksonville, NC 28541-1372 for the Barrie O. Delp Scholarship Fund. Simple as that! So much good comes from these donations. It may be your child, grandchild, great grandchild
(and so on) who becomes the recipient of one of our two annual scholarships. One is for a four year college; the other for a technical/vocational college applicant unless there is not any applicant for that scholarship in which case it would go to a second four year college applicant. Phew! A lot of info in a long paragraph! Seriously though, this is a serious and very worthwhile cause and one of which I know all the MTAA members are extremely proud. May I thank you in advance for what I know will be your most generous donation and it will be our very best year yet!
Now..on that note..has your senior student requested the scholarship application yet? Remember they must be returned fully completed including all required forms and information by June 30th which will be upon us before we know it. Early in July they are opened, reviewed and winners chosen from the fully completed and most qualified applications. At our January meeting the report was that 4 had been sent out – we’d love to see many, many more. Remember $2000 for the academic scholarship and $1000 for the vocational/technical scholarship can go a long way..
The MTAA quarterly meeting was held on January 21st. Loni, our Vice President was under the weather and excused and all other officers and trustees were present. We had the pleasure of Doris Baker sitting in as well..so good to see her after a long re cove ry . The Se cre t ary ’ s and Treasurer’s reports were accepted as submitted and our membership number is at 51. FIFTY-ONE! Come on MTA. .have your spouse or s i g n i f i c a n t o t h e r r e q u e s t a n application for membership! $15 a year is all. We need members! I will say I know some very vital members of the MTA who’s spouse is not a member. What’s with that? Come on ..we’re fun!
(continued on page 5 )
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Oops! Off topic for a minute (again)! In other business the Open House will be on May 20th at the MTA offices. I’m sure more details are elsewhere in this newsletter. The next big agenda item i s t h e 2 0 1 7 2 0 t h r e u n i o n i n Jacksonville, NC! Work is ongoing to make this the best reunion yet! There will be special 20th anniversary logo shirts in Men’s and Ladies styles and several colors. Preorders will be necessary to have time for them to be created and ready for reunion delivery. That information, too is available elsewhere in this issue. The next financial audit will be convened on March 6th. In the illness category we learned of Georgette Courtney was hospitalized for a couple of days in
earlier January but is doing just fine again and Loni Davidson and MTA member Bear Veninga’s wife Carol has been having health issue’s as well. If you know of others please let us know and we all will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
Our next regularly scheduled meeting is April 22nd at 11:00 at the office of the MTAA at Camp Johnson.
Once again..I hope you are all planning a trip to Jacksonville in September for the reunion. On behalf of myself and the MTAA we hope to have a great turnout and I know we’ll have a great time. If you can take extra time on one side of the reunion or the other the North and South Carolina coastlines
are wonderful with North Carolina having several beautiful lighthouses (South Carolina Does too but further away) and lots of history. On that note I’ll close for now – one newsletter closer to reunion!
May God Bless our Country, our troops at home, deployed and those whom we have lost. May He give strength to those who struggle daily with health issues and PTSD.
Until next time….
Mary
( continued from page 4 )
MTAA President Mary Jarvis
!6Marines.mil is the official website of the United States Marine Corps and is maintained by the Marine Corps' Division of Public Affairs.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
Around The Corps
Feb. 15, 2017 | MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, Calif - Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force out of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, worked with 1st Marine Logistics Group, 1st Supply Battalion, Supply Company Marine Air Ground Task Force, MAGTF Marine Materiel Distribution Center to prepare equipment for transport with RFID tags and SHOUT nano devices, tracking equipment from Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California, and Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 29 Palms, to and from the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Feb. 7. Photo By: Laurie Pearson
Feb. 6, 2017 | U.S. Marines with Fox Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, return from a convoy during a Deployment For Training, Fort Irwin, Calif., Jan. 16, 2017. DFT is an exercise aimed at promoting proficiency and operational readiness. Photo By: Lance Cpl. Alexis Schneider
Feb. 22, 2017 | MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Marines with 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, observe troops to ensure safe precautions during a live-fire training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 14, 2017. The training was conducted to ensure training and readiness requirements are met and enhance the unit’s proficiency with each weapon system. Photo By: Cpl. Trever Statz
Jan. 27, 2017 M-ATV: Protecting the warfighter Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicles have finished their upgrades, armor improvements and await road testing at Production Plant Barstow, Marine Depot Maintenance Command, on the Yermo Annex of Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California, Jan. 12, 2017. The specialized vehicles are favored for troop transporting in the mountainous country of Afghanistan. The turret atop the M-ATV marks this as a Marine Corps variant of the MRAP. Photo By: Keith Hayes
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HIROSHIMA, Japan -- U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 concluded exercise Kamoshika Wrath 17-1, Jan. 28, 2017, after training for a week at Japan Self-Defense Force’s Haramura Maneuver Area in Hiroshima, Japan.
The exercise marked the completion of Phase II of the squadron’s annual training plan, focusing on establishing forward operating locations and providing airfield operation services.
“We’ve separated our annual training plan into five different phases and this was our second phase capstone event,” said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Kevin Wheeler, operations officer for MWSS-171. “MWSS has a large n u m b e r o f d i f f e r e n t m i l i t a r y occupational specialties and jobs, and throughout the year the phases will give us an opportunity to test all those different skills.”
Marines with Headquarters and S e r v i c e , M o t o r T r a n s p o r t , Engineering, and Air Operations companies worked on their specific tasks to complete the exercise.
“We had our companies split off into separate sites,” said Wheeler. “They ran their own sites, but they were able
to support themselves out in an austere environment. The Marines set up everything from food service, field laundry and showers to a 96-foot by 96-foot expeditionary vertical takeoff and landing pad, something we h a v e n ’ t d o n e h e r e w i t h f i e l d preparation.”
Different companies from within MWSS-171 came together and saw how their job affected the mission as a whole.
“We built survivability positions with heavy equipment company,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Anthony Cornman, a combat engineer with MWSS-171. “We had to have a lot of cooperation with all the other sections in the squadron to be able to build a forward operating base, defensive positions and be able to run patrols out of it.”
Conducting the exercise at Haramura Maneuver Area allowed the Marines to operate in a scenario-based, realistic training environment.
“We can’t build survivability positions a lot in garrison,” said Cornman. “There’s no place to dig up dirt, cut down trees that we need and lay everything out. It was a good
experience there because a lot of us haven’t done this since the school house.”
The exercise increased the squadron’s state of readiness and acted as a b u i l d i n g b l o c k f o r i n c r e a s i n g proficiency in command and control.
“I was looking forward to seeing the staff work together during the exercise,” said Wheeler. “In garrison there are a lot of conflicting interests, priorities and tasks that we need to accomplish. Out here we are solely focused on supporting our Marines, the Marine aircraft group, aviators and making sure they have everything they need to take the fight to the enemy.”
for additional photos:
http://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/1065053/marine-w i n g - s u p p o r t - s q u a d r o n - 1 7 1 -completes-exerc ise-kamoshika-wrath-17-1/
MARINE WING SUPPORT SQUADRON 171 COMPLETES EXERCISE KAMOSHIKA WRATH 17-1 Jan.31, 2017 | Cpl. Donato Maffin, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan
Marines.mil is the official website of the United States Marine Corps and is maintained by the Marine Corps' Division of Public Affairs.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
Photo By: Cpl. Donato Maffin
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ALWAYS FAITHFUL: WORLD WAR II MARINE TURNS 100
Marines.mil is the official website of the United States Marine Corps and is maintained by the Marine Corps' Division of Public Affairs.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
Jan. 4, 2017 | By Sgt. Ian Leones, Marine Corps Forces Reserves
OLATHE, Kansas - Retired 1st Lt. John J. O’Leary, a Marine veteran of World War II, looks at pictures on his dresser at the Evergreen Community of Johnson County, Olathe, Kan., Dec. 21, 2016. O’Leary fought on Guam and witnessed the bombardment of Iwo Jima as a member of 3rd Joint Assault Signal Company. He celebrated his 100th birthday on Dec. 23. Photo By: Sgt. Ian Leones
OLATHE, Kansas -- With more than 16 million Americans who served in World War II, only a fraction of them still live today. Even fewer can claim to have reached the age of 100. John J. O’Leary, a retired Marine f irst lieutenant, is one of the lucky few.
He celebrated his 100th birthday at the Evergreen Community of Johnson County, Olathe, Kansas, Dec. 23, 2016.
O’Leary saw combat on Guam and witnessed the bombardment on Iwo Jima. Even after the war ended, his pride for the Marine Corps never faded.
“The first time I met him I was immediately impressed by his love for the Marine Corps,” said Col. Thomas M. Fahy, commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 4, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve. “We are losing World War II veterans every day. I think it is important to have their stories memorialized.”
Fahy learned about O’Leary through a website his unit was using to promote their 241st Marine Corps Birthday Ball in November. O’Leary reached out to the unit and Fahy traveled to the Evergreen Community to meet him.
“I knew we had to have him as the guest at our birthday ball,” Fahy said. "He is very enjoyable to be around, he is very sharp and he has a great sense of humor." With his wife Dixie accompanying him as his date, O’Leary attended the ball as the oldest Marine present and the only person in attendance to have served in World War II. His story dates back almost 75 years.
When John J. O’Leary enlisted in the Marine Corps in the aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor, he had no idea what was in store for him.
“I didn’t know anything about the military,” O’Leary said. “I was the first of three brothers to serve in World War II. I joined because of all the good publicity the Marine Corps was getting at the time.”
In 1942, after attending recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina, and radio operator school in New York, O’Leary volunteered to be part of the newly formed 4th Raider Battalion at Camp Pendleton,
California. There O’Leary served as Col. James Roosevelt’s personal radio operator.
“He was the president’s son,” O’Leary said. “He was a nice guy and a good officer.”
However, O’Leary was not fated to stay with the Raiders. The colonel
learned O’Leary had a college degree and sent him to officer candidate school in Quantico, Virginia.
“I was a private first class and had been in the Corps for 18 months,” O’Leary said. “Our entire class was made up of all enlisted men.”
In June 1944, after finishing all of his training, O’Leary was sent among the first replacements for the 3rd Marine Division in Guam. He was assigned to take over a shore beach party with 3rd Joint Assault Signal Company. His company was there through the retaking of the island from the Japanese.
“I had to become a good ducker,” O’Leary said with a wry smile. “I spent a year and a half on Guam. That’s a long time. I have a lot of memories.”
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Col. Thomas M. Fahy (right) speaks with retired 1st Lt. John J. O’Leary (left), a Marine veteran of World War II, at the Evergreen Community of Johnson County, Olathe, Kansas, Dec. 21, 2016. O’Leary fought on Guam and witnessed the bombardment of Iwo Jima as a member of 3rd Joint Assault Signal Company. He celebrated his 100th birthday on Dec. 23.
Photo depicts Retired 1st. Lt. John J. O’Leary, a Marine veteran of World War II, date and location unknown. O’Leary fought on Guam and witnessed the bombardment of Iwo Jima as a member of 3rd Joint Assault Signal Company. He celebrated his 100th birthday on Dec. 23, 2016.
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ALWAYS FAITHFUL: WORLD WAR II MARINE TURNS 100
On Feb. 19, 1945, O’Leary was assigned to 3rd Marine Regiment and waited from a troop ship to land on Iwo Jima. What he didn’t know at the time was that his regiment was the only regiment out of the nine present that was held in reserve. Although he witnessed the battle from the sea, he never saw the shore.
“His ship became a hospital ship,” Fahy said. “Many of the dead and wounded f rom Iwo J ima were transferred to his ship.”
As the battle continued, O’Leary witnessed tables in the ga l ley converted into operating tables. “Those were rough times,” O’Leary said. “There were a lot of dead and injured.”
In his room, among images of friends and family, hangs an original copy of
the photograph of the second flag-raising on Iwo Jima, signed by photographer Joe Rosenthal.
“One morning on Guam, after Iwo Jima, I looked out my tent and saw a small guy signing photographs which he had just made of the flag raising,” O’Leary said. “At the time, I didn’t know how significant the photo would become.”
More than 70 years after the photo was taken and the war ended, in a small retirement home room, O’Leary still holds the Marine Corps and his memories of his service close to his heart.
"His love of his country and his love of his Marine Corps is undying," Fahy said. "I'm very proud to have met him and honored to have spent the short
amount of time I have spent with him. I look forward to seeing him at our next birthday ball."
This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the Marine Corps Reserve. By the end of World War II, Reserve Marines made up 70 percent of total wartime Marine Corps personnel, including O’Leary. Having witnessed generations of Marines put on the uniform after him, O’Leary is confident that the Corps is still in good hands.
"The Mar ine Corps i s a great organization," O'Leary said. “It’s full of a lot of dedicated individuals. I’m very proud of my time as a Marine.”
Jan. 4, 2017 | By Sgt. Ian Leones, Marine Corps Forces Reserves
( continued from page 8 )
!10Marines.mil is the official website of the United States Marine Corps and is maintained by the Marine Corps' Division of Public Affairs.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
M A R I N E C O R P S S Y S T E M S COMMAND -- This fiscal year Marines will receive smart phones that make calling for fire support easier, quicker and more accurate.
The Target Handoff System Version 2 is a portable system designed for use by dismounted Marines to locate targets, pinpoint global positioning coordinates and call for close air, artillery and naval fire support using secure digital communications. The system is an upgrade to the Corps’ current Target Handoff System and is made up of a laser range finder, video down link receiver and a combat net radio.
“Our current THS, though capable, needed to be smaller and lighter to b e t t e r s u p p o r t d i s m o u n t e d operations,” said Capt. Jesse Hume, THS V.2 project officer for Marine Corps Systems Command. “With the new version, Marines will obtain a lightweight device equipped to provide immediate situational awareness on where friendly and enemy locations are, and the ability to hand off target data to fire support to get quick effects on the battlefield.”
THS V.2 also allows Marines to coordinate fire support missions more precisely, minimizing collateral damage, Hume said.
THS V.2 uses commercial off-the-shelf smartphones that reduce the system’s total weight from roughly 20 to 10
pounds, making it easier to transport. It also features new, more intuitive software. Information is transmitted via an encrypted combat net radio, ensuring mission security.
Matthew Bolen, assistant engineer for THS, said the use of COTS products eliminates the cost of investing in proprietary hardware and decreases the time it takes to equip the Corps with new technology.
“With the new commercial products, THS V.2 will be half the price of the previous system, while incorporating the speed of current advancements in handheld technology and encryption,” he said.
Designed for use by forward observers, air controllers and joint terminal attack controllers, THS V.2 allows users to quickly and accurately determine a target’s location and digitally transmit (hand-off) the data to supporting arms elements. The system automatically generates coordinates for targets identified by a Marine and digitizes the information into a map application pre-installed on the smartphone, eliminating the need for manual input. Once digitized, the information is transmitted to the Fire Support Coordination Center, where the proper approach of attack is d e t e r m i n e d . T h e F S C C t h e n coordinates air, artillery or naval fire support to extinguish the threat.
“THS V.2 provides embedded, real-time tactical information with ground combat element units down to the squad or platoon level,” said Gunnery Sgt. Nicholas Tock, THS operations chief. “If we are on patrol and we take contact from machine guns in a tree line, a satellite that passes over once every few hours is not going to help an infantry unit kill that target. THS V.2 is for that close combat.”
The system’s upgraded software includes a new, easy-to-understand interface similar to operating systems used by everyday mobile users. THS V.2 will also come with a pre-installed “Start Guide” help app with step-by-s t e p t u t o r i a l s r a n g i n g f r o m configuration to trouble shooting operations.
“Start Guide is an intuitive app that goes through setup procedures, troubleshooting procedures and many other quick- reference materials,” said Chuck Schuster, MCSC’s liaison to the Aviat ion and Missi le Research Development and Engineering Center. “This is the first time to our knowledge that a feature like this has been pre-installed on a system for Marines.”
THS V.2 is part of the MCSC’s joint fires and combined arms arsenal. Joint fires describe the use of weapon systems in a joint environment involving forces from two or more components in coordinated action in support of a common objective.
MARINES TO GET SMART PHONES TO CALL IN FIRE SUPPORT Dec. 19, 2016 | By Mathuel Browne, Marine Corps Systems Command
Photo By; Staff Sgt. Joe Laws
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Feb.9, 2017 l| By Mathuel Browne, Marine Corps Systems Command
Marines.mil is the official website of the United States Marine Corps and is maintained by the Marine Corps' Division of Public Affairs.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
M A R I N E C O R P S B A S E QUANTICO, Virginia -- Infantry Marines will soon receive ultralight off-road vehicles that will improve miss ion readiness by providing rapid logistics support in the field.
Program Executive Officer Land Systems, the Corps’ acquisition arm for major land programs, is expected to deliver 144 Utility Task Vehicles to the regiment-level starting later this month—a mere six months from contract award. The rugged all-terrain vehicle can carry up to four Marines or be converted to haul 1,500 pounds of supplies. With minimal armor, the U T V c a n q u i c k l y h a u l e x t r a ammunition and provisions, or injured Marines, while preserving energy and stealth.
“The Marine’s pack is getting heavier, and they are carrying more gear than ever down range,” said Jessica Turner, team lead for Internally Transportable Vehicles/Utility Task Vehicles at PEO LS. “Infantry Marines were looking for a capability that would lessen the load while increasing the area of operation, and the UTV is that solution.”
The UTV is a new capability for the fleet. Measuring roughly 12 feet long, the commercially acquired diesel vehicle is modular, with back seats that convert into a small cargo bed. Thanks to its small size, the UTV fits
inside MV-22 Ospreys and CH-53E helicopters for easy transport to remote locations and greater tactical support.
PEO LS joined a Marine Corps Special Operations Command contract to deliver the capability to Marines in such a short amount of time.
“We have taken an off-the-shelf capability and leveraged it with other commands to maximize the effort,” said Eugene Morin, product manager for Legacy Light Tactical Vehicles at PEO LS. “The continued challenge for t h e M a r i n e C o r p s i s f i n d i n g commercial-off-the-shelf items that satisfy the needs of Marines. Through partnerships like this, we can find the solutions we need.”
In exchange, MARSOC partnered with the Marine Corps Warf ight ing L a b o r a t o r y t o r u n f i e l d u s e r evaluations on the UTV to ensure it met the needs of the warfighter.
“One key takeaway from the MCWL testing was user feedback from Infantry Marines,” said Mark Godfrey, vehicle capabilities integration officer at Marine Corps Combat Development a n d I n t e g r a t i o n . “ M C W L d i d demonstrations such as casualty evacuation and maximum payload, and were able to tell us Marines’ thoughts on the value of the vehicle.”
The UTV program also satisfies the infantry’s requirement to maneuver more rapidly and deeply throughout the battlespace.
Much like larger tactical vehicles, Marines authorized to drive the UTV will be required to complete operator training as well as additional off-road vehicle safety procedures.
“One reason for the driving course is the UTV is an off-road vehicle,” Turner said. “The UTV’s suspension, handling and the way it distributes power is a lot different than a regular vehicle.”
Eighteen vehicles will be delivered to specific infantry regiments, with the first shipment going to I and II Marine Expeditionary Force in February, and III MEF in March and April. The Marine Corps will continue to seek ways to leverage partnerships and speed acquisition for Marines.
“The UTV is a perfect example of how we can do acquisition faster and more efficiently,” said Godfrey. “It may be a model for obtaining items from industry quicker in the future.”
OFF-ROAD, EXPEDITIONARY ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES ON THEIR WAY TO INFANTRY MARINES
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Virginia - The Marine Corps Program Executive Officer Land Systems is expected to deliver 144 Utility Task Vehicles to the regiment-level starting in February 2017. The rugged all-terrain vehicle can carry up to four Marines or be converted to haul 1,500 pounds of supplies. With minimal armor and size, the UTV can quickly haul extra ammunition and provisions, or injured Marines, while preserving energy and stealth. Photo By: Lance Cpl. Rhita Daniel
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Bakeless Bake Sale
A bit of news we have today, a Bakeless Bake Sale is on its way. In these busy days who wants to bake, pies, cookies or even a cake?
You would be surprised if you counted the cost, materials, heat and the time you have lost.
Baking for sales is extra work. Yet, nobody really wants to shirk. So we have thought of a plan and feel quite sure you will understand. In an envelope, please put the price, of a pie or a cake or something nice.
Without fuss or bother, you have done your part. We hope you will give with a willing heart.
This is the end of our little tale, wishing success for our Bakeless Bake Sale.
April has been designated as our Bakeless Bake Sale month. This is a fundraiser for the Barrie O. Delp Scholarship Fund. In the month of April we would like for all who can, to donate a little something. All
tions are greatly appreciated for the worthy caudona se. Thank you.
Make checks payable to: USMC MTAA
USMC MTA AUXILIARY ATTN: SCHOLARSHIP FUND
P.O. Box 1372 Jacksonville, NC 28541-1372
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USMC MTA will be holding their ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE at Camp Johnson Building M-213 on Saturday May 20, 2017
at 1300 hr. All USMC MTA members, their guest, prospective members are welcome.
RSVP is required no later than May 10, 2017. Local members are asked to bring a side dish.
MTA Members contact Joe Clark either by email: [email protected] or you can call 920.389.9709 for details.
This event is being held aboard Camp Johnson, if you do not have a DOD Base Sticker and ID card, you will have to go to
Camp Lejeune's main gate to obtain a base pass. Camp LeJeune does not issue base passes).
This is an Official USMC MTA Sponsor Event and National Funds will be used.
U.S.M.C.Motor Transport Association
OPEN HOUSESaturday May 20, 2017
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TAPS
Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family. Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties of my country and the Marine Corps have entrusted me to. Make me considerate of those committed to my leadership. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.
If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith, if I am tempted, make me strong to resist: if I should miss the mark, give me the courage to try again.
Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answers to my prayer.
Amen National Chaplain Marshal Jarvis
To report a death, notify the USMC MTA Secretary, at [email protected] or call 910-.450-1841.Names will be printed after notification of a member passing. The names will remain on this list until the ringing of the bell,in their honor, at the next Reunion. The Motor Transport Association would like to extend their heartfelt sympathy to the survivors during the time of bereavement for their loved ones.
Lee, Phyllis S. Cpl. (VM) WWII Nov. 23rd - 93Yrs. (1923-2016) Condra, James E. Lt. Col. (RET) Dec. 27th H. Jack Stites Capt. (RET) Jan. 26th